The Natural Process of Grieving

Grieving is a natural reaction to the loss of a loved one, says Dr. Daniel Borenstein, a psychiatrist in private practice in Brentwood and professor of clinical psychiatry at UCLA.

Everyone grieves in his or her own way, he adds.

Communication among family members and friends becomes crucial during the mourning period. Families such as the Murillos, with an extended network, have a buffer in their time of loss.

“It’s not uncommon for an adult, when remembering the loss of a loved one, to be sad and cry periodically.

“It’s when it’s excessive and you can’t function in between those episodes that treatment should be sought,” says Borenstein, not referring to any specific case.

“What you look for is a change in behavior from the preexisting behavior,” he adds.

Borenstein says in cases in which depression or an inability to function continues beyond six months that formal treatment may be advisable.

Symptoms of depression can include changes in eating or sleeping routines, a tendency to socialize less, or self-medicating with alcohol or drugs. Children may suffer headaches or stomachaches. Young children may become withdrawn and stop playing with toys.

Borenstein, president-elect of the American Psychiatric Assn., says information and referrals are available through the association at (310) 815-3650.

The national office’s Web site is https://www.psych.org.